2 Moves by Underclassmen on the Kentucky Defensive Line

Kentucky fans aren’t the only ones looking to the future. Later in the season, more and more underclassmen are getting in the mix and that’s especially the case on the Wildcats’ defensive line.

There are a couple of reasons why the time is right for underclassmen. First and foremost, it’s out of necessity in many cases. Injuries force the next man up, creating opportunities for players further down the depth chart.

Secondly, the redshirt rule allows players to play in up to four games and retain their eligibility. With only three games left on the schedule, there’s no need to hold players back to keep their redshirt alive, with a few exceptions for athletes who logged early snaps.

Finally, some players had injuries of their own to overcome to get back onto the field. That was the case for Hardley Gilmore, the true freshman wide receiver who’s caught passes in consecutive games after a fractured collarbone sidelined him for the first half of the season. It’s also the case for a defensive lineman that entered the rotation against Tennessee.

Tavion Gadson is Back

Tavion Gadson was among the numerous defensive linemen who suffered long-term injuries during spring practice. Instead of working his way into the rotation, the second-year player spent most of 2024 rehabbing his knee. He returned to action for the Tennessee game and played a dozen snaps, earning a solid grade of 71.3 from PFF.

“Obviously, we’re really, really excited about his progression and where he was in spring when that injury occurred there at the back end. He rehabbed his tail off to get himself in this position so he could play in the last four while still maintaining that ability to keep a redshirt,” defensive coordinator Brad White said this week.

“Really proud of his work and his effort, then to go in and play quality, meaningful snaps, he’s a guy that is only going to get better with snaps and game-time. We have to continue to be smart. Anytime you’re dealing with a young man that’s coming off a knee injury, you can’t push it too hard.”

A Kentucky Lineman Changes Positions

The big knock on Zach Yenser’s tenure as the Kentucky offensive line coach was his recruiting ability. Now one of his recruits has moved to the other side of the line of scrimmage.

Austin “House” Ramsey was recruited to play offensive guard. Injuries required reinforcements at nose guard. Kentucky added a JUCO talent this offseason, Dennious Jackson. Instead of giving him a shot, they’ve thrown House Ramsey into the fire.

Even though it looks unusual seeing a No. 76 on defense, the second-year lineman held his own in the trenches. Ramsey has nine snaps over the last two games and had a grade of 75.3 against Tennessee.

“That’s another one that’s a big body that can move. He fits the profile of what we look for in noseguards. He’s got big, heavy hands. He’s hard to move,” said White.

“Obviously, trying to make that transition late in the season, we want to see what he can do and see if he can do that. He flashed and did some things that made us feel confident that it’s a move he can make. Again, he’s another guy we hope we can continue to find a way to get snaps here down the stretch where he can build some confidence. There’s a lot to it. To make that sort of quick transition, you gotta make sure not to put too much on a young man like that.”